FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Wild Card Prize - love the unexpected mashup of the character with pinup style
“Who…are…you?” The Blue Caterpillar
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Dan Arango Photography (IG: @arangodan)
Outline the story …
I’ve always loved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and seeing the many different interpretations of characters through various art mediums. Instead of choosing one of the more popular characters, I chose to select a character less popular, but definitely known and recognizable. But I wanted to interpret my Blue Caterpillar as sort of a slightly rude, sultry, hookah-lounge hostess. I drew my inspiration (personal sketch included in photo submissions) from my love of pinup style, mixed with a 1960s nightclub lounge vibe. The corset features an analogous color scheme of rounded edges, ribbing, and a bouffant/rockabilly updo wig styled (by me) to convey the curves of a caterpillar. It was fun to channel the Blue Caterpillar because we’re very much opposites. I come from the Midwest, where we’re nice to strangers and want to help folks. Whereas, the Blue Caterpillar is easily offended, short, and limited in her helpfulness.
Outline the construction…
I drafted my own pattern by utilizing the ‘duct tape method’; wrapping myself in saran wrap and applying duct tape over the top. I used a permanent marker to draw the lines for the corseted bodysuit over the duct tape, and then cut the appropriate lines. I transferred the pieces to paper to make more clean patterns, adding seam allowance in my measurements. I love to mix different fabric types, so I made the base bodysuit/corset out of a stretch blue velvet, and decided to make the front panel (stomacher) out of different teal/blue satin. I lined the inside of the bodysuit with 2 layers of satin, through which I including boning channels. After assembling the main corset base, I added a front busk and back grommets. I created many stuffed “channels,” by serging 2-inch rows of fabric, and stuffing them with Poly-fil fiber. Due to the angle and difficulty of trying to sew the channels on by hand, I decided to resort to hot glue to affix the channels. Although I was vehemently against this at first, it actually worked very well, and added nice structure to the bust and overall garment. The rear bunched up a little, so I handstitched some thick interfacing so it would lay more flatly across my backside. Lastly, I added Velcro to the front “V” panel so that I could affix a stomacher to hide the metal busk attachments. I made the hookah out of foam and mushroom chair cover myself, too.
I LOVE this!
and the velvet was just such a perfect touch for the caterpillar 😀
And the pictures are just perfect!
This is so fun. Great fabric choices to create the perfect sultry standoffish caterpillar! I love it.
I love the colour, fabric choices and the textures you have created for you outfit. Well done.
I never would have thought of a pinup Caterpillar, and I love it! Such great color choices too!
Great job! I can definitely see a 1960s/space age vibe to this, and I love the colors and shapes you achieved!
I love the texture of the velvet and the stuffed channels, it looks fantastic!
I love your modified interpretation of the caterpillar. I think you succeeded in presentation.
Oh this is such a fantastic take on the Caterpillar!! Good work!
This is such an unusual interpretation of the caterpillar! The pin up look is so fun and quirky and the hairstyle immediately makes me think of Disney’s version! The rolls of velvet definitely captured the texture of his body and you picked the perfect shade of blue!
I love the concept, it is really cool!
The styling on this is impeccable! All your cited influences shine through in your photographs. Well done!